§ Rule 16(c) Subjects to be discussed at pretrial conferences

Codes > Montana Code > Title 25 > Chapter 20 : III Pleadings > Rule 16 : Rule 16(c)

Rule 16(c). Subjects to be discussed at pretrial conferences

    The participants at any conference under this rule may consider and take action with respect to

    (1) the formulation and simplification of the issues, including the elimination of frivolous claims or defenses;

    (2) the necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings;

    (3) the possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and of documents which will avoid unnecessary proof, stipulations regarding the authenticity of documents, and advance rulings from the court on the admissibility of evidence;

    (4) the avoidance of unnecessary proof and of cumulative evidence;

    (5) the identification of witnesses and documents, the need and schedule for filing and exchanging pretrial briefs, and the date or dates for further conferences and for trial;

    (6) the advisability of referring matters to a master;

    (7) the possibility of settlement or the use of extrajudicial procedures to resolve the dispute;

    (8) the form and substance of the pretrial order;

    (9) the disposition of pending motions;

    (10) the need for adopting special procedures for managing potentially difficult or protracted actions that may involve complex issues, multiple parties, difficult legal questions, or unusual proof problems; and

    (11) the time for submission of proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in a non-jury action, or proposed instructions to the jury and the form of verdict in a jury action, and such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the action.

    At least one of the attorneys for each party participating in any conference before trial shall have authority to enter into stipulations and to make admissions regarding all matters that the participants may reasonably anticipate may be discussed.